Pope Francis touches down in Baghdad, hoping to boost an ancient Christian church and a war-torn country

Baghdad, Iraq (CNN)Pope Francis landed in Iraq on Friday for a historic tour of the war-ravaged nation, where he is meeting with members of the country's dwindling Christian community, aiming to draw attention to their plight.

The trip, which marks the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, also includes meetings with the country's top political and religious officials. It is the pontiff's first trip outside of Italy since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I am happy to start trips again and this is a symbolic trip. It's a duty," the Pope told journalists traveling with him on the papal plane. "It has been a martyred land for too long."

On Friday, the pontiff held meetings with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and President Barham Salih. Rows of traditional dancers, none of whom wore masks, greeted the Pope as he arrived at Baghdad International Airport.

Pope Francis and his entourage have all been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Pope Francis arrives at Baghdad's international airport, Iraq, Friday, March 5, 2021.

He later met with clerics and other officials at a Baghdad church that was the site of a bloody 2010 massacre. A crowded of excited congregants greeted Francis in the churchyard, singing "the Pope is here, the Pope is here."

The Pope sat on a throne under a towering collage of the parish members who died in the terrorist attack. "We are gathered in this Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation, hallowed by the blood of our brothers and sisters who here paid the ultimate price of their fidelity to the Lord and his Church," the pontiff said.